Canterbury Bring Ireland Team And Fans Together With New Kit

September 23, 2014 - Canterbury and the IRFU have today unveiled the new Ireland home and alternate playing kits which will be worn for the first time during the Guinness Series when Ireland take on South Africa, Georgia and Australia.

Both the new home and alternate shirts feature a new collar, specifically designed with both the Irish players and fans in mind. Canterbury's famous loop neckline has a unique and stylish collar attached to reflect traditional jerseys from yesteryear.

The new authentic 'bosphorus' green of the home jersey has been welcomed by IRFU management and players and is likely to be a big hit with fans. The embroidered crest is applied boldly to the chest, surrounded by a ball-deadening grip.

The alternate Ireland kit, draws its inspiration from the first international test jersey worn in 1875, when Ireland played England at The Oval wearing a white jersey with green hoops. Ireland will line up in the new alternate kit when they face South Africa in November.

Canterbury's 'Together for Ireland' campaign captures the unified spirit of players and fans from the four provinces of Ireland, coming together to represent and support their country with pride. This has been brought together in a supporting video which can be viewed here: http://youtu.be/TKOf067qVzA

Canterbury CEO, Chris Stephenson, said: "Canterbury has been committed to rugby for over 100 years. Over that time, we have been fortunate to develop partnerships based on trust and mutual respect. The spirit of togetherness is at the heart of our campaign.

"The new design pays tribute to the rich heritage of rugby in Ireland and will hopefully resonate with fans. We truly want the nation to come together for Ireland when the team take on South Africa in November."

Louis Magee, President IRFU, said: "The IRFU are delighted to welcome Canterbury back into the Irish rugby family. Canterbury has a long and successful relationship with Irish rugby at all levels of the game and we look forward to working once again with one of the leading kit suppliers in world rugby."

The new kit is available to order now from shop.irishrugby.ie and canterbury.com

Editors' notes

The new jersey will be available from all good sports retailers from September 27.

About Canterbury
Canterbury has more than 100 years of history in rugby and has previously provided playing shirts to the New Zealand All Blacks and Australia. It is currently team kit supplier to England Rugby as well as three times Heineken Cup winners Leinster, Leicester Tigers and Cardiff Blues. Canterbury has been a keen supporter of grassroots and development level rugby for many years and currently supplies playing apparel to hundreds of school and club sides throughout Ireland and the UK.